A NEW club for children with SEN and neurodivergent needs will open in Wokingham this summer.
The Chill ‘n’ Fun Crew will welcome children aged five to 12, and their families, for monthly sessions, where they can genuinely relax and be themselves.
Hayley Fuller is the founder of Engage and Inspire Support CIC, and is launching the new community club.
She said: “As both an SEN professional and parent, I feel incredibly passionate about creating more inclusive community opportunities locally for neurodivergent children and their families.”
A SEN specialist teacher and practitioner based locally in Wokingham, she has more than 20 years of experience supporting children with SEND and neurodivergent needs in schools and within the community.
Her club has been created specifically for children aged five to 12, and their families, with the aim of creating a calm, welcoming, low-pressure environment where children can simply be themselves, explore their interests, socialise safely, and access activities in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Sessions focus on sensory play, creativity, games, role-play, crafts, nature activities, construction play, special interests, and emotional wellbeing, while also offering parents a supportive and understanding community space.
“One of the biggest inspirations behind the project was seeing how many families struggle to find places where their children genuinely feel accepted and able to relax without masking or pressure to ‘fit in’,” Hayley said.
Also available during the July session will be founder and clinical director of Berkshire Psychology Dr Jenny Murray.
A Health and Care Professions Council registered psychologist, qualified since 2009, she has worked in NHS specialist CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health) services, providing assessments and interventions for young people with a range of complex needs.
Parents will be able to meet with her for advice and guidance and to ask any questions they may have about diagnosis and support.
No official diagnosis is needed for children to participate in the stay and play club sessions.
Chill ‘n’ Fun Crew will run at the Bradbury Centre, Peach Place, on the first Saturday of each month (with the exception of August).
Sessions are from 2pm until 4pm, and cost £3 per child, or £5 for a family.
They will take place on: Saturday, July 4, September 5, October 3, November 7, and December 5 this year.
For information, visit Chill ‘n’ Fun Crew’s Facebook page.
